In the last decade, many school districts nationwide have embraced the benefits of adopting a social-emotional learning curriculum. As schools have become increasingly socio-economically diverse, multicultural and multilingual having pro-social skills has become essential to coping and thriving in school communities.
SEL fosters five key skills that contribute to a safe and positive learning environment at school. According to the Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning: Research and Practice, these are:
• Self-awareness – Developing an understanding of one’s feelings and emotions and recognizing how thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected.
• Self-management – Developing the ability to regulate one’s emotions and behaviors.
• Social awareness – Developing the ability to understand, empathize, and feel compassion for others.
• Relationship skills – Learning how to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships, through good communication, listening and mutual respect.
• Good decision-making – Learning how to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse settings, that consider ethics, values, and the health and wellbeing of one’s self and others.
While educators are focusing on social-emotional learning at school, parents can also support these critical skills at home.
SEL Activities
According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, there are five simple activities that families can incorporate into their routines to support SEL and enhance their child’s success at school and in life.
- Schedule a regular morning gathering – This can be over breakfast, just before you leave the house or even in the car to school. Establish a ritual that can help with the transition to school like “having everyone share what they are most excited about for the day ahead or taking a few slow, deep breaths together.”
- Have feelings check-ins – At some point in the day, pause whatever you are doing and ask your child to identify and express how they are feeling at that moment. They can talk about it or even draw a picture.
- Take Brain Breaks – If your child is struggling over homework or other tasks, have them pause for five minutes to “refresh and process.” This could involve dancing or doing jumping jacks, getting a breath of fresh air or playing with a pet.
- Involve your child in planning the daily schedule or routine – This can help in decision-making and problem-solving. Think about a particularly challenging time of day for your family (getting out the door in the morning, bedtime) and ask your child to help you come up with solutions.
- Make time for end-of-day reflections – Ask your child about something new they experienced, something they enjoyed, something they were proud of, etc.
These activities support listening and communication, identifying and processing thoughts and emotions, problem-solving, coping with difficulties, building awareness of what others in your family are experiencing and other skills and behaviors that can help children better navigate the challenges and relationships of their day.
